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When Sex Hurts: The Reasons for Painful Sex

Even today when sex isn’t deemed as taboo as it once was, it can still be hard for a woman to talk to someone about, even her gynecologist. A good amount of women suffer from painful sex yet opt to suffer in silence out of embarrassment. Painful sex is not something that anyone should have to endure. And, since pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong, experiencing pain during sex is not something that you should ignore.

What Can It Be?

There are several things that can cause painful sex or pain immediately after sex and we’re going to take a look at them here. These reasons range from harmless to serious and should be discussed with your doctor.

Infection: There are a few different types of infections that can cause pain during sex. Yeast infections can be painful as can Vulvodynia and other vaginal infections.

Rough Sex: Yes, it is possible to get a little too rambunctious during the act which can lead to pain. Certain positions where there is deeper penetration can also lead to painful sex as can prolonged sexual activity which can even cause painful chafing and irritation.

Your Partner’s Size: Sometimes pain during sex can be caused by something as simple as you and your partner not being the best fit, if you will. If he is bigger than average or you are smaller than average then painful sex is a definite possibility.

Dryness: Whether due to menopause, insufficient level of arousal or any other reason, a lack of lubrication can make sex quite painful and may even cause bleeding and irritation.

Endometriosis: This is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus makes its way outside of the uterus and attaches itself to nearby organs. Pain during sex is one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis. This condition can lead to permanent damage to your reproductive system and infertility.

Ovarian Cysts: Depending on the size and placement of an ovarian cyst, a woman may feel pain during and after sex. The pain has been described as both a sharp stabbing pain at times and a dull ache at others. Pain in the lower back is also common with ovarian cysts.

Cervical Cancer: Pain during sex can be one of the signs of cervical cancer. It is often accompanied by bleeding during and after sex as well as a foul-smelling discharge.

Some other possible causes of pain during sex are vaginismus, ectopic pregnancy and more. Regardless of what you think the reason is for your pain, a trip to the doctor is important to help rule out other more serious conditions.